Hopefully the strength of our institutions and the sensibility of our people will see Australia through the rough patch of intolerant attacks regardless of whether they are racially motivated or criminal in nature. Open mindedness would help to foster greater understanding among diverse cultures and keep criminal urges in check. We certainly do not want to go down the slop like the Malaysian government.
As we all know by now, the word "Allah" has been politicised by a lowly bunch of hypocritical, power hungry and scare mongering Malay Muslims (belonging to a dominant and current governing Malay political party known as UMNO in Malaysia). They refused to accept a High Court decision to allow non-Muslim viz Catholics to use the word "Allah" in their worship or in any religious publication.
Well, Allah existed in pre-Islamic times and was a pagan and cultural moon god in central Asia.
Only the insecure and ignorant would whip up a frenzy over "Allah". That there is such a controversy arising shows the shallow understanding of Malay leaders over Muslim culture and the clear distinction between Arab culture and Muslim theology.
"Confident people do not get confused" -- says Marina Mahathir.
Malaysia is not really the modern and moderate Islamic what it makes out to be. Is this a harbinger to a Nazist Malaysia? Though East Malaysian churches were eventually allowed to use "Allah" for God, many states in West Malaysia tightened the ban the "misuse" of Islamic terms.
- c.g.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Higher prices, lower quality food to just appease the crowds
Having built up a reputation, it appears that restaurants don't work hard to please. They only need to appease and satisfy the minimum requirements of their regular customers and some new homesick ones who don't know better. The T restaurant is one that has thrived on past glories.
The Hokkien prawn noodles at this well known restaurant in NSW's second largest city proved a little disappointing. Though the taste was full flavoured with prawn stock seasoning and generous king prawns, it was lacking in some of the traditional ingredients such as boiled pork belly slices, chives (and or fresh mustard green or choy sum), garlic crisps. The (calamari) tastes a little diluted probably from a tenderizing agent. They could improve by adding more bean sprouts. Also, it's not visually appealing - you could tell it's colourless and looks deceptively bland. At A$13 plus a serve, one should expect more.
The standard of the pork rolls in soy skin has declined considerably compared to the previous occasions we dined here. The bulk of the filling was heavily spiced pork. It tastes dry and does not have any prawn and vegetables that is normally included in the recipe.
(We had vegetable bean crepe rolls at a dim sum yum cha restaurant today and I must say that they are excellent and much better than the meat rolls.)
The Hokkien prawn noodles at this well known restaurant in NSW's second largest city proved a little disappointing. Though the taste was full flavoured with prawn stock seasoning and generous king prawns, it was lacking in some of the traditional ingredients such as boiled pork belly slices, chives (and or fresh mustard green or choy sum), garlic crisps. The (calamari) tastes a little diluted probably from a tenderizing agent. They could improve by adding more bean sprouts. Also, it's not visually appealing - you could tell it's colourless and looks deceptively bland. At A$13 plus a serve, one should expect more.
Could it be the transition to a younger generation of cooks or cost saving measures? Customers don't normally question and could only guess or just let it go. There are not many alternatives in the vicinity that offer authentic and exotic Southeast Asian cuisine at reasonable prices.
Overall, the service seem to have improved a little but you still get an occasional snub from the experienced staff. Other former staff have left and regrouped to start another restaurant in an affluent suburb. If you think that T restaurant is expensive considering the prices are doubled what it used to be 10 years ago, you should check out the off shoot restaurant.
The standard of the pork rolls in soy skin has declined considerably compared to the previous occasions we dined here. The bulk of the filling was heavily spiced pork. It tastes dry and does not have any prawn and vegetables that is normally included in the recipe.
(We had vegetable bean crepe rolls at a dim sum yum cha restaurant today and I must say that they are excellent and much better than the meat rolls.)
Nasi lemak and Laksa noodles at T restaurant, however, are still good and keeping up to its previous high standards. If you know which are their specialities and what to order, it's fine. However, the choices of delicious dishes on the menu seem to be shrinking with each successive visit.
Nostalgic taste and smell of childhood
You would have thought that some things from childhood vanished from the face of the earth along with the ravages of time. Modern living is always chasing something new and hip. Yet some things which bring back fond memories are making a comeback. Simply nostalgic!
They are very special lozenges that will always stick in my mind ... Hacks and Lackerol treats from dad when he worked or studied late in our old hometown. He bought different candies at the small Indian run store by the road on his way home.
I remember an elderly lady was searching for these logenzes at the local grocery store a couple of years ago but she was sorely disappointed, though she half anticipated they were not in stock.
Bitter sweet but not as strong as it used to be, probably because with age, our tastebuds have become less sensitive compared to that of a child.
Cleaning linen without using harmful chemicals were a thing of the past. Your wonder how mom and granny did most of the washing by hand. Never had I expected that these light brown and almost odourless laundry soap bars are still available in the supermarket.
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They are very special lozenges that will always stick in my mind ... Hacks and Lackerol treats from dad when he worked or studied late in our old hometown. He bought different candies at the small Indian run store by the road on his way home.
I remember an elderly lady was searching for these logenzes at the local grocery store a couple of years ago but she was sorely disappointed, though she half anticipated they were not in stock.
Bitter sweet but not as strong as it used to be, probably because with age, our tastebuds have become less sensitive compared to that of a child.
Cleaning linen without using harmful chemicals were a thing of the past. Your wonder how mom and granny did most of the washing by hand. Never had I expected that these light brown and almost odourless laundry soap bars are still available in the supermarket.
- Copyright Reserved
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
More muddling in healthcare reform - patient care not a priority
Hospital mergers, streamlining, improvements are hollow terms to cover up cost cutting measures that would do little to uplift the current dysfunctional hospital management. Everything is bursting at the seams and it is a wonder how we are able to cope with such a sorry state of affairs with no light in sight.
The government would rather pay generous fees to engage consultants and administrators than to improve hospital facilities and employing more staff to improve patient care. Administrators who control the budget order the cheapest but impractical inventory and equipment regardless of recommendations from professional staff. In many instances, they were proven to be "penny wise pound foolish". It costs more to undo and remedy bungles and imprudent expenditures.
Indeed, much of the well meaning advice from professionals have fallen to deaf ears and ignored for years. The result of such "reforms" would lead to even more paper work and window dressing to meet targets of the administrators but the standard of healthcare may be worse off than before.
An earlier blog posting -- don't fall sick in Australia : http://ausletters.blogspot.com/2009/11/in-australia-dont-fall-sick-if-you-cant.html
The government would rather pay generous fees to engage consultants and administrators than to improve hospital facilities and employing more staff to improve patient care. Administrators who control the budget order the cheapest but impractical inventory and equipment regardless of recommendations from professional staff. In many instances, they were proven to be "penny wise pound foolish". It costs more to undo and remedy bungles and imprudent expenditures.
Indeed, much of the well meaning advice from professionals have fallen to deaf ears and ignored for years. The result of such "reforms" would lead to even more paper work and window dressing to meet targets of the administrators but the standard of healthcare may be worse off than before.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/its-time-we-listened-to-the-doctors-20100120-mlna.htmlTwo things were notable: first, the professionalism, expertise and good humour of most doctors and nurses; and second, the extent to which they must work around a government bureaucracy of Soviet-style ineptitude. Their successes are in spite of the system, about which they are openly scathing.
They have prescribed the remedy to restore public hospitals to their former place among the most trusted and well run institutions in the country: to reinstate local autonomy, with independent hospital boards taking full control of the budget.
Decision-making in hospitals used to be quick and effective, but now ''funding is not spent optimally and trust, co-operation, morale and institutional loyalty has been sapped . . . Resource misallocation involving extraordinary growth in the size and cost of the bureaucracy has led to a massive waste of taxpayer's money.''
An earlier blog posting -- don't fall sick in Australia : http://ausletters.blogspot.com/2009/11/in-australia-dont-fall-sick-if-you-cant.html
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Admit and capitalise : dealing with restiveness over migrant attacks
Finally, one brave soul has stood up to break the deadlock of trading accusations of racism and denials of responsibility over attacks on ethnic Indians.
Former chief of the defence force, Peter Cosgrove in the the 14th annual Australia Day Address said :
Both India and Australia have so far shown a sheer lack of competence and diplomacy in dealing with the consistent and rising spate of attacks on Indian migrants in Australia. Denials by the Australian police and Deputy PM that these attacks could be remotely linked to racism were not helpful in addressing concerns. On the other hand, the hardline responses from the Indian politicians and extremist groups is a reflects poorly of any sobriety and resolve to mitigate bilateral strains.
Indeed, there is no excuse for intolerance. The United Nations has denounced the use of the term "visible minorities" by the Canadian government and media as racism. Majority of Australians are warm, friendly, helpful, progressive and tolerant. But that does not mean that we have the luxury to be smug because diehard and closet racists would exploit opportunities to flare up. Violence under any circumstances cannot be justified or tolerated in a modern civil society.
Nevertheless, Cosgrove merely covered half the story. Suffice to say, in his attempt to project political correctness, there's another grim side. Yet to be determined are ills linked to influx of criminal, loafing, anti-social tendencies. It is high time to tighten dubious fly by night colleges who exploited foreign students and slackening standards which led to the deluge of migrants who are ill equipped for challenges of their new home.
While the Australian government should not pander to agitation by bigots in the likes of Pauline Hanson to halt immigration on cultural grounds, neither should it adopt an undiscerning open door policy. Australia is a beautiful and great place, one that is a coveted destination of migrants from all over the world. We could well afford to be selective and smarter accepting only those who contribute favourably to the country and weed out those who are likely to spawn onerous social problems in the long term.
However, no one is above the law regardless of whether they Australian born, new or old migrants. Australians of all shades and hues who stereotype and resort to violence to settle personal grievances are criminals who must face the consequences and severe punishment.
Former chief of the defence force, Peter Cosgrove in the the 14th annual Australia Day Address said :
''I sense in relation to the spate of attacks on largely Indian people in Melbourne and elsewhere, Australians are very concerned and disinclined to downplay - much less dismiss - the potential racist elements in what is becoming a litany of criminality.''
He said Australia could not look at higher rates of violence in India as an excuse for violence here. The only way to repair Australia's reputation was to apprehend and rigorously prosecute the people responsible.
Also in the speech, titled Sunshine and Shade: the triumphs and tribulations of Australia in our time, he asserted elements of the Muslim community had been estranged from the mainstream for more than 20 years.
The country should engage with the Islamic community and remember former instances of immigration in which the country had remained ''intact and remarkably unified''.
Excerpts from :
http://www.smh.com.au/national/criminals-preying-on-indians-cosgrove-20100119-mj6m.html
Both India and Australia have so far shown a sheer lack of competence and diplomacy in dealing with the consistent and rising spate of attacks on Indian migrants in Australia. Denials by the Australian police and Deputy PM that these attacks could be remotely linked to racism were not helpful in addressing concerns. On the other hand, the hardline responses from the Indian politicians and extremist groups is a reflects poorly of any sobriety and resolve to mitigate bilateral strains.
Indeed, there is no excuse for intolerance. The United Nations has denounced the use of the term "visible minorities" by the Canadian government and media as racism. Majority of Australians are warm, friendly, helpful, progressive and tolerant. But that does not mean that we have the luxury to be smug because diehard and closet racists would exploit opportunities to flare up. Violence under any circumstances cannot be justified or tolerated in a modern civil society.
Nevertheless, Cosgrove merely covered half the story. Suffice to say, in his attempt to project political correctness, there's another grim side. Yet to be determined are ills linked to influx of criminal, loafing, anti-social tendencies. It is high time to tighten dubious fly by night colleges who exploited foreign students and slackening standards which led to the deluge of migrants who are ill equipped for challenges of their new home.
While the Australian government should not pander to agitation by bigots in the likes of Pauline Hanson to halt immigration on cultural grounds, neither should it adopt an undiscerning open door policy. Australia is a beautiful and great place, one that is a coveted destination of migrants from all over the world. We could well afford to be selective and smarter accepting only those who contribute favourably to the country and weed out those who are likely to spawn onerous social problems in the long term.
However, no one is above the law regardless of whether they Australian born, new or old migrants. Australians of all shades and hues who stereotype and resort to violence to settle personal grievances are criminals who must face the consequences and severe punishment.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Blurred lines between liberalism and child abuse - legal system fails to protect
Congratulations are in order for Nicki Bloom (formerly Shackle). The talented and distressed teen has become a celebrated playwright and recently won a AUD 20,000 Patrick Wright award. She is married. It's good to be back in the media limelight but for the right reasons.
We may never find out the extent of the psychological scars on Nicki during her "forbidden love" affair with her teacher almost 40 years her senior. It may be buried beneath the smiles and confidence we see in the media. Nicki prefers to leave all the sordid past behind. And she certainly deserves more understanding than the scum in human form who exploited her innocence.
Australian families can't help but feel a deep sense of unease and apprehension that the legal system has failed in its duty of care to protect children and families from predatory sex offenders at school, the very place we believe to be safe for nurturing young minds and souls.
Liberalism and permissiveness in adulthood should not be applied with the same cavalier standards in the education and legal system. Adults often claim that it's "mutual" attraction but wouldn't they be in a better position to recognise and moderate the muddled emotions and raging hormones of a growing kid?
The outrage over awarding Mr Jeff Sinclair is well justified. The flawed system with misplaced sympathy has allowed a pedophile to become a victim, happily milking the taxpayers' money.
However, it is puzzling why investigations could find "no evidence" of sexual relationship between the errant teacher and a minor. Any literate, sensible human being with some inkling of what morality is, and who have read their email correspondence would have concluded that they had crossed the line of "father figure" and "teenage crush". An illicit relationship had clearly blossomed when Nicki's parents alerted the school.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/07/1081326793568.html
An appalling twist to the saga is that the estranged and long suffering wife of Sinclair has turned into a supportive "stand by your man" icon. She has been publicly defending her husband's infidelity. Stay tuned for more relevations in her soon to be released book. $$$$ !
We may never find out the extent of the psychological scars on Nicki during her "forbidden love" affair with her teacher almost 40 years her senior. It may be buried beneath the smiles and confidence we see in the media. Nicki prefers to leave all the sordid past behind. And she certainly deserves more understanding than the scum in human form who exploited her innocence.
Australian families can't help but feel a deep sense of unease and apprehension that the legal system has failed in its duty of care to protect children and families from predatory sex offenders at school, the very place we believe to be safe for nurturing young minds and souls.
Liberalism and permissiveness in adulthood should not be applied with the same cavalier standards in the education and legal system. Adults often claim that it's "mutual" attraction but wouldn't they be in a better position to recognise and moderate the muddled emotions and raging hormones of a growing kid?
The outrage over awarding Mr Jeff Sinclair is well justified. The flawed system with misplaced sympathy has allowed a pedophile to become a victim, happily milking the taxpayers' money.
Mr Sinclair had been left ''clinically depressed'' as a result of the inquiry. Mr McManamey awarded him $28,000 in back pay plus $317.20 a week from January 21 2004 ''to date and continuing''.
However, it is puzzling why investigations could find "no evidence" of sexual relationship between the errant teacher and a minor. Any literate, sensible human being with some inkling of what morality is, and who have read their email correspondence would have concluded that they had crossed the line of "father figure" and "teenage crush". An illicit relationship had clearly blossomed when Nicki's parents alerted the school.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/07/1081326793568.html
An appalling twist to the saga is that the estranged and long suffering wife of Sinclair has turned into a supportive "stand by your man" icon. She has been publicly defending her husband's infidelity. Stay tuned for more relevations in her soon to be released book. $$$$ !
In online blogs, Ms Sinclair wrote of her husband's past: ''A good man was crucified by a system and left for dead, while the catalyst for his destruction … has become the latest 'gift' to the Australian theatre world.''
http://www.smh.com.au/national/forbidden-love-affair-in-past-as-nicki-blooms-20100116-mdf9.html
Monday, January 11, 2010
Best Japanese Restaurant in Sydney - Teriyaki Boy?
Touted as the "best" Japanese restaurant in Sydney, this tiny and cosy restaurant certainly lives up to its good reputation splashed on many food review sites. The food and management are unmistakably and authentically Japanese, unlike many "Japanese" restaurants in Sydney that are run by Korean (or Chinese or Filipino) owners and staff. As always, quality comes with a price. Very busy and crowded in the evenings. Reservations are mandatory as the restaurant does many turns and takeaways for local residents and foodies from afar.
Whiting wrapped in abalaone mushroom and deep fried tempura style. The batter is heavier and crispier than the traditional tempura.
Agadashi tofu is a little overrated but nevertheless has a good balance of crispiness, chewiness and softness to the bite. The soy based sauce is flavoursome but not salty.
The house special Sweet Stewed Pork Belly is not on the printed menu but was written on the black board. It is tender but could do better with a bit more salt than sugar. Covered with fried wanton skin (picture above) and the dish uncovered (below).
We would have preferred that the large serving of teriyaki chicken to be served earlier, before we finished the steamed rice. We were too full to order more rice. It was good that the vegetables compliments the tangy and juicy chicken breast meat.
Assorted sashimi of salmon, tuna, kingfish is freshly exotic and subtly spiced with herbal salad at the side and fiery wasabi.
The house signature dish - steam crab dumplings is not found on the menu of most Asian restaurants. The crab meat is fresh, not frozen, which makes the taste so unique and delicate.
Whiting wrapped in abalaone mushroom and deep fried tempura style. The batter is heavier and crispier than the traditional tempura.
The house special Sweet Stewed Pork Belly is not on the printed menu but was written on the black board. It is tender but could do better with a bit more salt than sugar. Covered with fried wanton skin (picture above) and the dish uncovered (below).
We would have preferred that the large serving of teriyaki chicken to be served earlier, before we finished the steamed rice. We were too full to order more rice. It was good that the vegetables compliments the tangy and juicy chicken breast meat.
The good attentive service makes up for the simple setting. The moment we stepped into the restaurant, we felt welcome. The talking point of the evening was the friendly waitress looked a split image of my friend Pam. She kindly allowed me to photograph her so that I could show Pam and bring her to the restaurant the next time round.
Our special new year treat leaves a clean aftertaste and great satisfaction.
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Balmain - hip and cool suburb in Sydney
Waterfront views in exchange for space. Restored terrace houses in Balmain are charming despite the limited living, storage and parking areas.
The streets are lined with speciality stores and outstanding restaurants which cater to the fastidous taste and standards of yuppie residents here.
The streets are lined with speciality stores and outstanding restaurants which cater to the fastidous taste and standards of yuppie residents here.
For more scenery pictures, please refer to : http://australianature.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunset-at-elkington-park-balmain.html
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
Australia perfects lychee quality that is fit for the Emperor
Lucky for consumers, Australia has succeeded in cultivating sweeter, juicier and fleshier lychees with smaller and lighter seeds.
Fei Zi Xiao lychees are now available in specialty fruit markets this year. It is priced only a little higher than most lychee varieties, which is a worthwhile buy.
Fei Zi Xiao lychees are now available in specialty fruit markets this year. It is priced only a little higher than most lychee varieties, which is a worthwhile buy.
According to historical records, the Emperor of the Tang dynasty despatched express horse riders to the lychee growing South China by night to get the best pick and returned promptly with the fruits ensuring the freshness and unique flavours are retained. Lychees were said to be the favourite of the Emperor's concubine Yang Yuhuan.
"Zhengcheng Hanging Green" (增城掛綠 Zengcheng gualü), Glutinous Rice Ball (糯米糍 nuomici) and The Concubine Smiles (妃子笑 feizixiao) are the hybrid strains, known for their crisp sweetness and small seeds. Black Leaves (黑葉) are more common and are usually syruped and canned.
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Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year - hope to overcome adversities and dementia lies in TLC
Wishing all readers of my blogs a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Seeing my elderly friend getting back a healthy state both in physical mobility and mental alertness is perhaps one of the greatest Christmas and new year gifts one could ever hope for. Previously diagnosed with dementia - a dismal prognosis and no hope of recovery, it was a pleasant surprise indeed. We have often taken little things for granted until illness or misfortune hit us. TLC (tender loving care) will help to ease the pains and work miraculous to reverse things thought to be impossible.
Some recent studies showed that spices in curry could fight dementia and cancer. For the health conscious, it may be prudent to include some spicy food in your meals. However, "eating a curry could not counter-balance the increased risk of dementia associated with a poor diet". It is crucial that one maintains a balanced and nutritious diet for optimal physical and mental fitness. Worth trying!
c.g.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
More Summer Flowers in my garden
Begonia love a hint of sunlight and moderate water intake.
Succulents can have pretty flowers too although they seldom bloom.
The last spray of kalancho flowers are still evident though we're in the midst of the hot and wet season. The flowers are abaundant in winter.
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Best Dim Sum in Sydney
Phoenix in Rhodes is arguably the best dim sum yum cha place in Sydney. In terms of price and quality of food, it beats many of the big names in the CBD hands down. Long queues are the best indicator of its success. But the efficient service ensures that customers in the line do not have to wait more than 30 minutes to get seated and tea and food are served almost immediately. However, other restaurants under the same management do not seem to have lived up to the standards showcased here.
Wu Kok : mashed taro with minced meat and prawn stuffing and deep fried till fluffy and crispy. The translucent wheat starch pastry mixture helps the the morsels to puff up when fried.
The ever popular char siew pao (BBQ pork buns) must be eaten when it's steaming hot. Do you know that small amounts of ammonia powder and acid create the snow white, soft and fluffy texture?
Shrimp toast enveloped in a thin layer of wanton pastry skin and deep fried. Not one of my favourites as the bread tends to soak up oil and it is heavy going despite its deceptively small serving.
Wu Kok : mashed taro with minced meat and prawn stuffing and deep fried till fluffy and crispy. The translucent wheat starch pastry mixture helps the the morsels to puff up when fried.
The ever popular char siew pao (BBQ pork buns) must be eaten when it's steaming hot. Do you know that small amounts of ammonia powder and acid create the snow white, soft and fluffy texture?
Seaweed roll wrapped around seafood stick, prawn, pickeld cucumber and carrot. Inspired by Japanese sushi but tastier and crunchier because it is deep fried.
Shrimp toast enveloped in a thin layer of wanton pastry skin and deep fried. Not one of my favourites as the bread tends to soak up oil and it is heavy going despite its deceptively small serving.
Chives dumplings (gau choy gow) is light and flavoursome. The second best to settle for when Chiu Chow fun gor (Teochew Dumpling) was not on the menu of the day.
Deep fried pork rib double cooked in vinegar, sweet and spicy sauce. If you are concerned with health issues, this is not something you would pick because the cut includes a layer of fat.
Deep fried pork rib double cooked in vinegar, sweet and spicy sauce. If you are concerned with health issues, this is not something you would pick because the cut includes a layer of fat.
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